‘People of Prayer’ gather at school

About 30 parents, teachers and supporters of “People of Prayer” met before school began Wednesday morning at Centreville Elementary School.

By Wanda YoderJournal Correspondent

About 30 parents, teachers and supporters of “People of Prayer” met before school began Wednesday morning at Centreville Elementary School with the intent of praying for students, staff, teachers and parents.

Parent organizer Lynette Carpenter, who has students in the Centreville school system, was prompted to suggest the gathering following the recent school shooting at Sandy Hook School, in which 20 elementary students and a number of teachers lost their lives.

President Barack Obama unveiled gun regulation plans Wednesday, upon the recommendation of Vice President Joe Biden. Psychiatric health care reform is also being explored.

Carpenter said she had to ask herself what could she do.

“What can I do to secure the safety of my children? More locks? More security? More guards? More guns?

“The gunman that killed those 20 boys and girls was not stopped by even the most trusted security system in our schools today,” Carpenter said. “When he could not enter through a door, he broke a window, reminding us that sometimes even our best-laid plans will not stop the attack of the enemy.”

Carpenter said she saw “trusting in God’s promise of protection as the only true answer” and has requested support from others through social media to join her in “inviting God’s presence and power to surround our schools and communities” as “People of Prayer.”

Malyn Sneed of Three Rivers, who attends church in Centreville and took part in the prayer session Wednesday, called this “a cry out for help.”

“We have to start somewhere,” Sneed said. “ It is welcoming to see it was well-attended.”

Although the group did not march around the school grounds as they prayed because of the cold temperature, a number of people at the gathering did voice prayers of protection for school leaders, students and teachers and staff who meet daily to provide a safe environment to educate the children of Centreville.